Globalization in the Gulf and UAE cities

Author: Iloka Benneth Chiemelie
Published: 26th April 2017

Introduction

Globalization is continually turning the world into a small community, where anyone can get anything he or she desires. The gulf is not left out in this case as numerous visa-free policies have been drawn between the GCC nations and other countries, allowing for movement of people, goods and services at ease (both inbound and outbound movement)(Fox, Mourtada-Sabbah, & al-Mutawa, 2007). As such, it is no surprising that numerous aspects of the Dubai lives have been globalized in the process. There are varied exemplifications, such as skyscrapers and high rising buildings that have turned the gulf region into the desired destination for various activities. There are various ways the gulf has been globalized as documented below.

Cities

From western investors, to Russian oligarchs and Lebanese social workers, there is no part of Dubai that does feature a mix between the Arab world and the western view. There are numerous expats, tourists, businessmen and social workers scattered across the cities of Dubai. The city also features high rising platform, a clear representation of what is obtainable in the industrialized world, as Dubai pushes forward to become a global economy and a home for all. These people come together in different forms - socializing, networking, transaction and religious activities – to interact and live together as one(Fox, Mourtada-Sabbah, & al-Mutawa, 2007). Thus, Dubai is no longer a city exclusively for the Arabs as other parts of the world are taking their own fair share of the city by acquiring or renting houses and living freely like other emirate nationals.

Business

The business aspects of the gulf is the most affected in terms of globalization. There are numerous foreign companies that now have branches and outlets in the Gulf and Dubai to be precise. For instance, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Toyota, McDonalds etc.(Mounajjed, 2013). Thus, the gulf business sphere is no longer marred in ‘white robes’ as there are numerous ‘suits and ties’ acclimatizing themselves in the corporate sphere of the gulf and acquiring their own fair share of the Arab Money. Foreign companies are investing on the go as the gulf is increasingly turning into a potent business environment.

Culture

Culture is also affected greatly. With the high volume of investors, tourists and expats pouring into the Gulf States, certain aspects of their culture has been changed. For instance, there are numerous women managing different companies in Dubai, something that is original against the masculine features of the gulf nations. This has also influenced the perception of women in general across the Gulf States with certain political positions now occupied by women across the gulf nations. Additionally, it is now common to see families in the street together, eating dinning, partying and just have coms good time in Dubai – something that was not originally obtainable(Morehouse, 2008). Overall, the culture of Dubai is slowly by surely transforming into a globalized culture that is developing in line with necessary measures to accommodate the different cultures of people coming into this city. 

Language

Language has not really changed much and people coming into the gulf are increasingly learning Arabic language. However, the adoption of English is now high with numerous international schools established across the golf nations for the sole purpose of assimilating the English language into the everyday language of the people(Mounajjed, 2013). Thus, there are countless number of originally Arabic speaking emirate citizens that are now proficient in both written and spoken language. The main reason behind this increasing level of adoption is that of the gulf nations seeking a common medium to transact and live together with the people coming into their countries.

Media

The media is the most adopted medium of communication and information dissemination. Advancement in information and communication technologies have also ushered in new and efficient ways for information sharing and Dubai is not left out(Fox, Mourtada-Sabbah, & al-Mutawa, 2007). Formerly a conservative world, the gulf now features numerous online media and new channels that reach people across the world. This has also helped to disseminate information about the gulf nations and their cultures, attracting new investors and tourists in the process.

Others

Finally, other aspects of live has bene generally affected by globalization. For instance, there are now numerous international universities and social organizations in Dubai and the gulf in general, changing as well as challenging existing views about education with both men and women now able to study whatever course they so desire within the region(Mounajjed, 2013). In essence, gender equality has been upgraded across the gulf nations, resulting to higher level of acceptance for the final gender.

Conclusion

In conclusion, globalization has brought numerous benefits to the gulf nations as documented above. However, there are issues of social value being lost to globalization and it is something that should be carefully looked into while allowing external cultures to influence established internal cultures and norms(Fox, Mourtada-Sabbah, & al-Mutawa, 2007).

References

Fox, J. W., Mourtada-Sabbah, N., & al-Mutawa, M. (2007). Globalization and the Gulf. Retrieved from The Middle East Quarterly: http://www.meforum.org/1776/globalization-and-the-gulf

Morehouse, W. (2008, 12 1). Dubai: Globalization on Steroids. Retrieved from The American Scholar: https://theamericanscholar.org/dubai-globalization-on-steroids/#.V9KaDPl97IU

Mounajjed, N. (2013, 5 8). Dubai’s Mystified Promise of Globalization. Retrieved from Ibraaz: http://www.ibraaz.org/essays/61